Cristiano Ronaldo single-handedly dragged Real Madrid through to the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday night to remind us all of the 31-year-old’s super-human quality.
Wolfsburg arrived at the Bernabeu with a 2-0 lead on aggregate from the first leg knowing that an unlikely quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid was within touching distance.
But dreams of a first Champions League semi-final place were soon scuppered when two Ronaldo goals in as many mad minutes at the Bernabeu cancelled out Wolfsburg’s overall advantage in the tie.
And when Ronaldo stroked a free-kick home to give his side the advantage, Twitter went into frenzy as Wolfsburg capitulated in the face of the former Manchester United man’s ruthless finishing.
Ronaldo’s third marked his 16th goal in just 10 Champions League games since season, his 93rd in total, and the performance had the online footballing community purring at the Portuguese’s record.
However of all the incredible records, it was one unbelievable statistic which perfectly encapsulated just how unstoppable Ronaldo has been in Europe.
The Real Madrid forward has scored more goals on his own than the entire Arsenal team since September 13th 2013.
Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions Leagues at the last 16 stage for the sixth year in a row with defeat to Barcelona last month.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger famously expressed his regret that he failed to sign the 31-year-old before he eventually moved to Manchester United.
“I’m disappointed that I seduced only Ronaldo’s mum,” Wenger joked. “I had Ronaldo at the training ground, I showed him around and I gave him a shirt. It has got his name on the back.
“At the end of the day I wanted him to be here, but most important is he makes a career. He went to Man United and made a career, he would have done that here.”
The form of Cristiano Ronaldo was a particular pain point for perpetually peeved Gunner, Piers Morgan.
The ITV presenter and professional Arsenal fan has been vociferous in his criticism of Arsene Wenger’s transfer policy in the wake of the club’s disappointing season.
“The great thing about him is that he scores all types of goals, there’s not one which is similar,” Rio Ferdinand said on BT Sports.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career total of 93 goals in the Champions League means he remains the all-time top goalscorer, ten goals clear of Lionel Messi.
Culled from www.telegraph.co.uk
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